iPad Mini formerly with cellular - still need an aux. GPS antenna?

[Singler3360]

I've gleaned a lot of good information from this thread and ordered a Dual Electronics XGPS150A. I recently acquired a 1 yo iPad Mini that had cellular service (it does not anymore). I've driven around with the built-in GPS capability and it seems to work well enough. Would I miss not having the Dual in off-road situations or is the built-in GPS adequate. Thanks for the help.

 

[Red90]

The built in GPS is fine.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Yes indeed, the built-in GPS in a modern tablet or phone is completely adequate. Devices for several years can use all major constellations with dozens of channels, so the limitation is GNSS function itself. Some devices can even do multiple bands (eg adding L2, L5, etc) and approach survey quality.

The reason you might need an external is mainly convenience so that the device could be mounted without a good clear view of the sky. This may be important because a position fix through passivated glass or sheet metal might mean accuracy will be diminished.

 

[Singler3360]

Thanks for your responses. Very helpful.

 

[nwoods]

If you are exclusively running in canyons like the Maze District or Canyonlands, then maybe the external supplemental antenna is a good idea, but for 99% of normal use, the built in receiver will work just fine.